If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to cancer. Most of these symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.

Symptoms of breast cancer include the following:

  • A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
  • A change in the shape or size of the breast
  • Nipple discharge or tenderness
  • Inverted nipple or eversion of a naturally inverted nipple
  • Ridges or pitting of the breast (resembling the skin of an orange)
  • A change in the way the skin of the breast, nipple, or areola (the dark area surrounding the nipple), looks or feels; for example, warm, swollen, red or scaly
  • A sore or ulcer on the breast that does not heal